Anderson, Howard R. 1920-2002

ANDERSON, ANTLE, BUTTEL

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 8/5/2005 at 21:46:48

PELLA - Howard R. Anderson, 82, of Pella, died Sunday, Sept. 1, in the Sheltered Care Unit of Pella Regional Health Center. A Mass for Christian Burial will be 10 a.m.

Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pella, the Rev. Robert D. Gruss, celebrant. Burial: Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. Memorials: St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund. Visiting hours begin 6 p.m. today at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella, with family present 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, and a 7 p.m. wake at the funeral home Wednesday.

Howard Robert Anderson was born May 13, 1920, in Winterset to Lee Hampton and Heddie Joy Antle Anderson. He graduated from Winterset High School in 1938.

He enlisted with the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, and served three years in Italy. After returning from the service, he worked with Arthur Mathes General Construction Co. in several different states and locations. He also was involved in building the Pella Municipal Water Treatment Plant.

On Oct. 29, 1950, he married Candida Olga Buttel at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Knoxville. They eventually moved to Pella.

Howard then worked for Vermeer Manufacturing and retired after 30 years. They enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and fishing, and giving large holiday dinners.

Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer and died Feb. 7, 1986. Howard then became a greeter at the Pella Wal-Mart, and was known as "Mr. Wal-Mart."

In July 2001, he moved to the Sheltered Care Unit of Pella Regional Health Center. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pella and American Legion Post No. 89, Pella. He had served on the Pella City Council.

He enjoyed reading and treasured his yard pond, watching the goldfish and listening to the fountain.

He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law: Wallace and Valma Anderson of Des Moines; four nieces; six great-nieces; six great-nephews; and a great-great-niece.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; two sisters: Carol and May Anderson; and a brother, Wayne Anderson.

The Oskaloosa Herald, September 3, 2002